SHILLONG: The coalition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has been renamed as People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).
“The change of the coalition name from People’s Democratic Front (PDF) to People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) is to get a close tune with the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition heading the state government,” KHADC chief executive member PN Syiem told reporters on Friday. At the same time, he said that the change of the coalition name is to avoid confusion with the political party, People’s Democratic Front (PDF).
The strength of the coalition is 18 with 11 members from PDF, four from the National People’s Party (NPP), one each from the BJP and the United Democratic Party (UDP), and an Independent. Syiem expressed confidence that the coalition is prepared to face the other parties on the floor of the House.
It may be mentioned that the Congress, UDP and HSPDP are in the opposition.
However, lone UDP member Equator Nongrang is part of the PDA coalition.
Asked about the lone supporter from UDP, Syiem said, “If you go back to history, it all depends on the feelings of individuals. It has often been seen that MDCs take decisions on their own accord.”
Also, he said that the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) was not applicable to the KHADC.
With the resignation of MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh from the post of Executive Member, Syiem said a new executive member will be soon appointed.
